Friday 17 November 2017 22:21, UK
Joseph Parker says he "deserves that respect" of a fair deal for the Anthony Joshua fight and vowed to be the "last man standing" if they agree a unification clash.
The WBO heavyweight champion has stoked up his rivalry with Joshua on social media and this morning called for a 40 per cent split in a unification clash with the WBA 'super' and IBF title holder.
Parker believes he has rightfully earned that cut of the fight purse by becoming an unbeaten champion with 24 victories, but remains hopeful that terms can be agreed following more negotiations.
Asked about the opening offer, Parker exclusively told Sky Sports: "I feel it's a little low, but they can improve on it.
I think I do deserve that respect. I worked hard to get here and I believe that if we want to unify then we should actually do a deal that everyone is happy with.
"Voluntary is 20 per cent is it? Mandatory is 30 per cent? So I think unification, it's fair to make it 40 for a unification. It comes down to negotiating and seeing where everybody is at.
"I think I do deserve that respect. I worked hard to get here and I believe that if we want to unify then we should actually do a deal that everyone is happy with."
The New Zealander still holds Joshua in high regard, despite an opening offer which was described as 'insulting' by his promoter David Higgins, and is ready to fight 'AJ' early next year for an acceptable deal.
"Everyone has to negotiate what they are happy with, but there is no loss of respect and I still respect him, and he is doing good things over that part of the world," said Parker.
"I think he was aware of the deal that they offered. I believe [promoter] Eddie Hearn keeps Anthony Joshua up to date with what's happening in negotiations and who he is talking to.
"Twitter is one way to sort of make it happen. If we didn't go on Twitter, then we wouldn't be getting their attention at the moment. It's part of the game, you've got to enjoy a little bit of banter on social media, but hopefully we can get the deal done in the background.
"Let's make the fight happen. Listen, if they offer 40 per cent, then let's do it whenever they are ready. I'll come to England any time of the year to fight him. March, April, you name it."
Parker had to settle for a points win over Hughie Fury while making his UK debut in Manchester this September, but is confident he and Joshua would create an entertaining battle, with him recording his 19th knockout victory.
"I feel like the style that he has, I can work with, and I truly believe that I can knock him out," said Parker. "I will put on a great show for everyone watching.
"I think that if we get the opportunity to fight, then I will be the last man standing. I have a lot of confidence that I can take a punch, and give a good one as well."
